About the MCA

Welcome to the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

Dedicated to exhibiting, collecting and interpreting the work of today’s artists.

Our vision is to engage audiences with contemporary art and ideas through the presentation of a diverse program of exhibitions and special events onsite and offsite. From major thematic exhibitions and surveys of established artists, solo exhibitions and artist projects, to new work by emerging artists, touring exhibitions and community led projects through C3West, we strive to cover the range and diversity of contemporary art.

Located on one of the most beautiful sites in the world at Sydney’s Circular Quay, the MCA opened to the public in 1991, reopening in 2012 following a major expansion. The redevelopment transformed the MCA, with spacious new galleries including an entire floor dedicated to its Collection; a new National Centre for Creative Learning ; public spaces that embrace one of the world’s most famous locations; and a series of site-specific artist commissions.

Our MCA Collection contains over 4000 works by Australian artists that have been acquired since 1989. The collection spans all art forms with strong holdings in painting, photography, sculpture, works on paper and moving image, as well as significant representation of works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

We offer a vibrant public program which includes practical and theoretical programs for schools, creative programs for children and families, social and cultural events for young people, and major public lectures themed around MCA exhibitions and contemporary issues in the visual arts, design, architecture or film.

The Museum was established by the University of Sydney through the J.W. Power Bequest with the assistance of the New South Wales Government, and is now an independent organisation with a board of Directors. The MCA is a not for profit organisation, raising over 70% of its revenue from non-governmental sources.

MCA launches its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy

The MCA is located on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. The site, which is now called The Rocks, is known as Tallawoladah. The MCA recognises the Gadigal people of the Eora nation as the traditional owners and ongoing custodians of the lands and waters upon which the MCA is situated.

The MCA’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy aligns the work of the MCA in regards to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts with the external environment. This includes national and international Indigenous priorities and principles relating to Indigenous art and culture. This policy aims to define the intentions of the MCA in relation to its commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and align its work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts with the broader values and goals of the organisation.